LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 2014 as Oral Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in calling attention to
serious medical conditions which affect thousands of New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2014 as Oral Cancer Awareness
Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Oral cancer is any cancerous tissue growth located in the
oral cavity (the mouth), on the lip, and the oropharynx (the part of the
throat at the back of the mouth); and
WHEREAS, Oral cancer most commonly involves the tongue, the floor of
the mouth, the lip, and the minor salivary glands; and
WHEREAS, Most oral cancers look very similar under the microscope and
are called "squamous cell" carcinomas which are malignant and tend to
spread rapidly; and
WHEREAS, The statistics are staggering; it was predicted that in 2009,
an estimated 35,720 adults, 25,240 men and 10,480 women, in the United
States would be diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal cancer and that an
estimated 7,600 deaths, 5,240 men and 2,360 women, from the disease
would occur that year; and
WHEREAS, Oral cancer incidence continues to rise; though it is not
definitively known why, recent studies point to exposure to the HPV-16
and 18 viruses, the same viruses which cause the majority of cervical
cancers in women; and
WHEREAS, Oral cancer frequently has no symptoms; however, when symp-
toms do occur, the most common include a sore or ulcer on the lip or in
the mouth that does not heal; a lump on the lip, in the mouth, or in the
neck; a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth;
unusual bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth; oral pain that does
not go away; difficulty or pain with chewing, swallowing, or jaw open-
ing; swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or to become
uncomfortable; tooth loosening; bad breath; sensory loss in the face;
abnormal taste in the mouth; or tongue problems; and
WHEREAS, The most recognized risk factors and causes for oral cancer
in North America are the use of tobacco, including smokeless and "chew,"
and alcohol; yet, while tobacco and alcohol consumption continue to
decrease, oral cancer incidence continues to increase; and
WHEREAS, The fastest growing risk factor for oral cancer is exposure
to the HPV-16 virus (human papilloma virus), the same virus which is
responsible for the majority of cervical cancers in women; and
WHEREAS, When detected early, oral cancer patients have an 80 to 90
percent survival rate; and
WHEREAS, Oral cancer screening should be a routine part of every annu-
al dental examination; regular check-ups, including an examination of
the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and
pre-cancerous conditions; an individual may have a very small, but
dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it; when abnormal
tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), anyone
over the age of 17 should get an annual screening for oral cancer and
anyone with a history of oral cancer should have a screening every six
months; and
WHEREAS, The health and well-being of the people of the State of New
York is of paramount importance to this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, The observance of Oral Cancer Awareness Month provides an
opportunity to focus on this significant and complex medical condition,
to provide information on and raise public awareness and understanding
of its causes, effects, and treatments, and to highlight its importance
to citizens of the State of New York of all ages; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2014 as Oral
Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.